Multipurpose handles and medical snare or other devices incorporating them

ABSTRACT

Described are a multipurpose handles that can be incorporated into medical device delivery systems. Also described are medical devices, including medical snare devices, that can incorporate the handles or features thereof. An actuation button of the multipurpose handle can be moved longitudinally to move a device portion (e.g. snare loop) longitudinally, e.g. for deployment or retraction. The actuation button can also be rotated to rotate a device portion (e.g. snare loop). Sealing arrangements can be provided and can provide sealing functions in respect of a controlled medical device structure while the actuation button is moved longitudinally or rotated. Methods of using the handles and medical snare or other devices incorporating them are also described.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/739,497 filed Jan. 10, 2020 entitled “Multipurpose Handle”, and published as U.S. Patent Publication No, US20200222218A1 on Jul. 16, 2020, the contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to a medical device delivery system. More specifically, this disclosure relates to a multipurpose handle for use in a medical device delivery system that is configured to control relative movements associated therewith, as well as a method of using the handle, and to a medical snare device configured to control movements of a snare loop thereof, and related methods of use.

BACKGROUND

The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.

In many medical procedures, an implant is inserted into a patient's body for treatment. For example, a vena cava filter may be deployed within a patient's vasculature in order to prevent a pulmonary embolism. In order to successfully deploy and retrieve the implant, the user (e.g., physician) needs to be able to control relative motion of various structures of a delivery and retrieval system. Many known systems require two-handed operation. However, such operation can be difficult for the user to move multiple structures in different directions while performing other functions, such as monitoring conditions at the surgery site in order to ensure patient safety.

Conventional medical device delivery systems generally operate by moving the medical device within a catheter positioned in the body of a patient along a desired vascular path or other body passageway, until the medical device reaches a desired treatment site. The deployment operation requires some measure of skill by the user because he/she must monitor the relative position of the medical device and other components within the delivery system, as well as utilize both of his/her hands to operate the delivery system. More specifically, in many conventional systems the user must hold a proximal hub attached to an inner shaft member of the delivery system in a fixed position with one hand, while simultaneously withdrawing the proximal hub attached to the outer tubular sheath with the other hand.

Accurate deployment and positioning of the device is important to ensuring patient safety. Thus, a system that provides accurate control of the movements of the medical device can improve the safety associated therewith. At the same time, it is also desirable to provide an integrated and ergonomic handle for easy and effective operation of the system. A handle that is capable of single-hand operation with a locking mechanism may provide such benefits. Accordingly, improvements can be made to a delivery and retrieval system with a handle configured for multipurpose operation.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure generally provides a medical device delivery system. More specifically, the present disclosure provides a multipurpose handle for use in a medical device delivery system that is configured to control relative movements associated therewith.

The multipurpose handle generally includes an elongate handle body, an actuation button, and a locking member. The elongate handle body has a proximal end extending to a distal end, which defines a longitudinal axis. The elongate body further includes a cutout that defines a movement space therein in which the actuation button is disposed and connected to a medical device. The actuation button is movable within the cutout along the longitudinal axis and rotatable within the cutout. The locking member is connected to the elongate handle body and movable between a locked position and unlocked position. The locking member is in contact with the actuation button in a configuration that restricts the movement of the actuation button along the longitudinal axis when in the locked position.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a medical device delivery system is provided. This medical device delivery system comprises an outer sheath; a medical device located at least partially within the outer sheath in an initial configuration ready for deployment; and a multipurpose handle as described above and further defined herein. The multipurpose handle connected to the outer sheath and the medical device.

According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the use of a medical device delivery system is described that incorporates a multipurpose handle to deliver or retrieve a medical device from a desired or targeted site within a vasculature of a patient's body. During such use, the multipurpose handle provides the user with control over longitudinal movement together with scrolling rotation of the attached medical device. The user may utilize his/her thumb and index finger on a single hand to accomplish such longitudinal and rotational movements.

According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a medical snare device is provided. The medical snare device includes an outer sheath; a snare element having a snare loop or other snare capture structure (e.g. hook(s) located or locatable at least partially within the outer sheath in an initial configuration ready for deployment; and a multipurpose handle (e.g. as described herein) operably associated with the snare element. The actuation button of the multipurpose handle is connected to the snare element. Movement of the actuation button within the cutout along the longitudinal axis moves the snare loop or other snare capture structure along the longitudinal axis (e.g. to deploy the snare loop from the sheath and/or retract the snare capture structure into the sheath), and rotation of the actuation button rotates the snare capture structure (e.g. after it is deployed from the sheath).

Further embodiments and areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. It should be understood that the description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the disclosure may be well understood, there will now be described various forms thereof, given by way of example, reference being made to the accompanying drawings. The components in each of the drawings may not necessarily be drawn to scale, rather emphasis is placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. Moreover, like referenced numerals in different drawings designate corresponding or similar components or elements.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a medical device delivery system having a multipurpose handle formed according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the multipurpose handle shown in the delivery system of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another medical delivery system incorporating a multipurpose handle formed according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the multipurpose handle of FIG. 3 highlighting the ability for longitudinal and rotational motion.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an actuation button that may be used in the multipurpose handle.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an elongated handle body that may be used in the multipurpose handle.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of an elongated handle body that may be used in the multipurpose handle.

FIGS. 8A and 8B are perspective views of cutouts made in the elongated handle body according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 9A and 9B are perspective views of a multipurpose handle highlighting the use of a lock ring.

FIG. 9C is perspective view of the lock ring used in FIG. 9B.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a multipurpose handle with a locking member formed according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of another multipurpose handle with a locking member formed according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12A is a perspective view of multipurpose handle and an expanded view of a sliding locking button.

FIG. 12B is perspective view and a cross-sectional view of a multipurpose handle incorporating another locking button according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12C is a cross-sectional view of a multipurpose handle incorporating another locking button according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12D is a cross-sectional view of another multipurpose handle incorporating a different locking button according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12E is a cross-sectional view of a multipurpose handle incorporating an actuation button and locking member with a variable locking position.

FIGS. 13A and 13B are perspective views of medical device delivery systems that incorporate a multipurpose handle according to the teachings of the present disclosure,

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a medical device delivery system that incorporates a multipurpose handle with an expanded view of a locking button.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a medical device delivery system incorporating a multipurpose handle with an expanded view of another locking button.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a medical snare device incorporating a multipurpose handle as disclosed herein,

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a distal handle region of a medical snare device incorporating a multipurpose handle as disclosed herein.

The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the present disclosure or its application or uses. For example, the multipurpose handle made and used according to the teachings contained herein is described throughout the present disclosure in conjunction with deploying or retrieving a vena cava filter treating a pulmonary embolism in order to more fully illustrate the structural elements and the use thereof. The incorporation and use of such a multipurpose handle in other applications, including without limitation the deployment of a stent, is contemplated to be within the scope of the present disclosure. The multipurpose handle may be incorporated in any delivery system that includes an outer sheath that surrounds an inner shaft configured to carry a medical device therein for delivery to a desired target-site in a vasculature within the body. The multipurpose handle may be incorporated into a device of any type or size provided the mandrill size necessary to form the handle does not exceed the dimensions associated with manufacturing the handle to fit inside a human hand. It should be understood that throughout the description, corresponding reference numerals indicate like or corresponding parts and features.

The present disclosure generally provides a medical device delivery system. More specifically, the present disclosure provides a multipurpose handle for use in a medical device delivery system configured to control relative movements associated therewith. As such, the medical device delivery system of the present disclosure is provided with an integrated and ergonomic handle that replaces the functions of separate proximal hubs in conventional systems, while providing a desirable dual mode of operation with a locking function.

The handle design generally comprises a hollow tube with an inner moving part, capable of both sliding and rotating along with a locking member or mechanism that secures the inner part from longitudinal movement in the back-most position. The locking mechanism may have an audible and/or sensible confirmation of lock. The locking member or mechanism is configured to resist inadvertent or accidental movement or retraction of the various components within the medical device delivery system during packaging, sterilization, shipping, storage, handling, and preparation for use. The lock may be spring-loaded, or otherwise easily released as further described herein.

The use of this multipurpose handle allows the user to have control over longitudinal movement together with scrolling rotation of the attached medical device. The medical device delivery system may be utilized in any procedure or other operation where a medical device is required to slide forwards/backwards and/or rotate in order to be successfully deployed. According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the multipurpose handle involves the use of a single actuator for multiple modes of operating the handle and delivery system.

A medical device delivery system that incorporates the multipurpose handle of the present disclosure is capable of providing a variety of benefits and advantages. These benefits include, without limitation, one or more of the following:

(i) single-handed operation of the medical device delivery system; (ii) a mechanism that provides leverage or mechanical advantage in adjusting or reducing the forces needed to operate the system; (iii) improved accuracy in positioning the medical device at the target-site; (iv) multiple modes of operation; (v) an integrated and ergonomic handle for operating the system; (vi) a locking mechanism capable of resisting inadvertent or accidental movement or retraction of the delivery system; and (vii) the ability to hold the delivery system components in a fixed relative position during an intermediate stage in the deployment of the medical device.

For the purpose of this disclosure, the term “proximal” refers to a direction that is generally towards an user (e.g., physician) during a medical procedure, while the term “distal” refers to a direction that is generally towards a target site within a patient's anatomy during the medical procedure.

For the purpose of this disclosure, the terms “about” and “substantially” are used herein with respect to measurable values and ranges due to expected variations known to those skilled in the art (e.g., limitations and variability in measurements).

For the purpose of this disclosure, the terms “at least one” and “one or more of” an element are used interchangeably and may have the same meaning. These terms, which refer to the inclusion of a single element or a plurality of the elements, may also be represented by the suffix “(s)” at the end of the element. For example, “at least one metal”, “one or more metals”, and “metal(s)” may be used interchangeably and are intended to have the same meaning.

The focus of the design of the multipurpose handle and the medical device delivery system is to enhance patient safety. In this respect, the multipurpose handle makes use of an ergonomic design and one-handed operation, which places more control on the user (e.g., physician) where conventional products rely on two hands to operate the device. The safety feature is also rooted in a thumb button for both longitudinal and scrolling movement, as well as adding precision to the user, which is not found in conventional products. The multipurpose handle also includes a locking mechanism triggered by the index finger, which ensures the device may be secured without compromising the control. Overall, the user can perform all of the relevant steps required in a medical procedure, while only moving the thumb and index fingers while simultaneously maintaining a firm grip on the delivery system. In comparison to conventional delivery systems, the medical device delivery system of the present disclosure may be manipulated by a user to easily perform all necessary steps with one hand, without having to look away from the typically used radio-imaging screen.

Referring to FIGS. 1-15 , the medical device delivery system 1 includes a multipurpose handle 5 that comprises an elongate handle body 10, an actuation button 15, and a locking member 20. The elongate handle body 10 has a proximal end 25 extending to a distal end 30, which defines a longitudinal axis (A). The elongate body 10 further includes a cutout 35 that creates a movement space therein. The actuation button 15 is disposed within the cutout 35 and connected to a medical device 40. The actuation button 15 may be movable within the cutout 35 along the longitudinal axis (A) and rotatable within the cutout 35. The locking member 20 is connected to the elongate handle body 10 and movable between a locked position and unlocked position. The locking member 20 may be in contact with the actuation button 15 and be configured to restrict the movement of the actuation button 15 along the longitudinal axis (A) when in the locked position.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the actuation button 15 may include a sliding portion 15A to control the longitudinal movement of the medical device 40 and a rotating portion 15B to control rotational movement associated with the medical device 40. The sliding portion 15A and rotating portion 15B may be manipulated by different fingers of the user's hand. For example, the sliding portion 15A may be manipulated using the thumb finger, while the index finger of the user manipulates the rotating portion 15B.

Referring now to FIG. 2 , one or more of the sliding portion 15A and the rotating portion 158 of the actuation button 15 may include one or more slits 16 in order to provide for added sliding and/or scrolling control. The actuation button 15 may in communication or contact with a sliding component 45 configured to secure the medical device 40. For example, this sliding component 45 may be, without limitation, a collet 46 that uses a fastener 46A or other type of anchor to secure the medical device 40.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , the longitudinal movement and rotational movement associated with the actuation button 15 may be incorporated such that one finger of the user is capable of controlling both the longitudinal and rotational movement of the medical device by a sliding motion or a scrolling motion, respectively. For example, the actuation button 15 may be a thumb wheel capable of being manipulated solely by the thumb finger of the user (e.g., physician) in order to move the medical device 40 both longitudinally and rotationally through a sheath 50. When desirable, the actuation button 15 as shown in FIG. 5 may include one or more fins 17 and/or an indented edge 18 configured to fit a thumb finger 3 to provide for additional gripping during rotational and longitudinal movements. When the actuation button 15 is a thumb wheel the fins 17 may be disposed around the circumference of the wheel.

Referring now to FIG. 6 , the elongate handle body 10 may include one or more gripping knurls 55, alternatively, a plurality of gripping knurls 55 for providing an user with a firm gripping surface. The elongate handle body 10 may represent a singular unified component or include a plurality of components, such as an upper body portion and a lower body portion, that are attached together by gluing, welding, melt bonding, or the like. The dimensions of the elongate handle body 10 may be customized in order to fit a specific predetermined hand size or be optimized such that various hand sizes are capable of obtaining a firm grip when using the multipurpose handle 1. Additional ergonomic features may be included in the elongate handle body as well without exceeding the scope of the present disclosure.

The multipurpose handle 5 including the elongate handle body 10, as well as the various parts contained therein may be formed from polymeric or plastic materials, ceramic materials, metals or metal alloys, and/or combinations thereof. The materials for use in the multipurpose handle 5 are selected so that they exhibit desirable or required performance characteristics, such as biocompatibility, flexibility, and strength to name a few. The polymeric or plastic materials may include one or more thermoplastic materials or thermoset materials, individually or in combination. Several examples of suitable polymeric or plastic materials may include but not limited to polyamides (e.g., nylons), polyimides, polyethylenes, polyurethanes, polyethers, polyesters, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), and mixtures or copolymers thereof. Alternatively, the elongate handle body 10 is formed from ABS. Any metal parts used within the multipurpose handle 5 may be formed from, without limitation, stainless steel, brass, Nitinol, or a combination thereof. Alternatively, the metal parts are formed from brass.

Referring now to FIGS. 6, 7, and 8 (A-B), the elongate handle body 10 may also include a cutout 35 in the form of a longitudinal slot that defines a channel 65 configured to accommodate the sliding action of the actuation button 15. This cutout or longitudinal slot 35 is capable of limiting the extent of longitudinal movement within the multipurpose handle 5. The actuation button 15 or thumb wheel that fits within the cavity 60 of the cutout 35 may include a tactile bump 65, which can be seen in the cross-section of the actuation button 15 shown in the plane (A) view of FIG. 7 . This tactile bump 65 may assist the user in determining the orientation of the attached medical device 40. When desirable this longitudinal slot may be in the shape of a droplet 35A as shown in FIG. 8A. The droplet shaped cutout 35A may vary in size provided the actuation button 15 is secured and cannot slip out of the cavity 60 formed by the cutout 35A (FIG. 8B).

Referring now to FIGS. 9 (A-C), the locking mechanism 20 may include a locking ring 20A configured to be either be in an unlocked position or a locked position. When the locking ring 20A is unlocked, the actuation button 15 may be moved (FIG. 9A). However, when the locking ring 20A is in the locked position, the actuation button 15 is prevented from moving (FIG. 9B). The locking ring 20A may include at least one slit 67 that allows one portion of the locking ring 20A-1 to abut against the actuation button 15 when the locking ring 20A is rotated into the locked position (FIG. 9C). Another portion of the locking ring 20A-2 is located such that it grips or holds a portion of the elongated handle body 10 (FIG. 9B). Such a locking mechanism 20 may resist inadvertent or accidental movement or retraction of the actuation button 15 or other components in the multipurpose handle 5 during packaging, sterilization, shipping, storage, handling, and preparation for use.

Referring now to FIGS. 10 and 11 , the elongated handle body 10 may comprise a fin 11 aligned with the longitudinal axis (I) of the elongated handle body 10. This fin 11 further comprise a hole 13 located in a position that is easily accessible by the index finger of the user during the operation of the medical device delivery system 1 (see FIG. 10 ). The difference (A) between the longitudinal axis (I) of the elongated handle body 10 and the longitudinal axis (II) of the locking member 20 causes the locking member 30 to rotate into the elongated handle body 10 of the multipurpose handle 5 (see FIG. 11 ). The locking member 20 may include one or more fins 21 to assist in gripping the mechanism in order to scroll or rotate the member between locked and unlocked positions.

Referring now to FIGS. 12(A)-12(E), various other forms of the locking mechanism are described. In FIG. 12A, a sliding locking button 23 is utilized. This locking button 23 slides against a portion of the actuation button 15 in order to prevent movement thereof when in the locked position. Alternatively, the locking button 23 abuts against a side and/or a face 15A of the actuation button 15 or thumb wheel. Alternatively, the locking member 20 or button 23 makes contact with the distal face 15A of the actuation button 15 or thumb wheel. The locking button 23 may slide in an opposite direction in order to unlock and allow the actuation button 15 to move. In this embodiment, the index finger 4 of the user may, together with the thumb finger provide greater control of the actuation button 15.

In FIG. 12B, the locking button 23 is shown to abut against a face 15A of the actuation button 15. In this embodiment the fin 11 in contact with the user's middle or index finger 4 is capable of movement (m) causing the locking button 23 to engage the face 15A of the actuation button 15 in order to establish a locked position. The locking button 23 may be held in place through the use of one or more fasteners 24 formed as part of the locking button 23.

In another configuration shown in FIG. 12C, the actuation button 15 may slide over a projection 10B arising from a wall of the elongate handle body 10 to create a locked position. In this locked position, the actuation button 15 is held in place by a spring 70. The actuation button 15 may be released, thereby, creating an unlocked position through the use of the locking button 23. The locking button 23 in this case is a push button that overcomes the spring 70 retention and moves the actuation button 15 past the projection 10B in the wall of the elongate body handle 10.

Another form of the locking member 20 is shown in FIG. 12D in which the locking button 23 is a spring-loaded lever capable of being pivoted near its fulcrum point 75. A spring 71 is positioned such that the locking button 23 is held in a locked position by the spring 71 forcing the lever to contact a face 15A of the actuation button 15. The user is able to release the actuation button 15 by pushing on the locking button 23, thereby overcoming the spring 71 retention and creating an unlocked position.

In FIG. 12E, the multipurpose handle 1 may include the capability of providing variable locking positions during the operation of the delivery system. Variable locking positions may be created, without limitation, through the use of a plurality of splines, ridges, or teeth 80A located in the surface of the actuation button 15 that are appropriately mated or meshed with a plurality of grooves 80B formed in the locking member 20 or vice versa. The alignment or meshing of the splines 80A and the grooves 80B creates a locked position that prevents movement of the actuation button 15. The different number of splines 80A and grooves 80B that may be meshed or mated together establish variability in the position of the actuation button 15. The locking member 20 may include a locking button 23 in which pushing upon the locking button 23 causes the splines 80A and grooves 80B to separate, thereby, creating an unlocked position allowing the actuation button 15 to move.

Referring now to FIGS. 13A and 13B, the locking member 20 may be integrated with the fin 11 formed as part of the elongate handle body 10. In this embodiment, the locking member 20 includes a pivot point 90 that allows the index finger of the user to apply pressure and push the locking member 20 into contact with the surface of a face 15A of the actuation button 15. The locking member 20 acts similar to a lever that is typically in an unlocked position and upon the application of external force or pressure by the user is forced into a locked position.

Another example of a medical device delivery system that incorporates the multipurpose handle of the present disclosure is described in FIG. 14 . In this configuration the locking button 23 comprises at least one protrusion 93 located on each side of the locking button 23 in order to hold the button 23 in place and prevent the button 23 from being removed (i.e., falling) through the opening present in the elongated handle body 10. These protrusions 93 may also act as the pivot point 90A with respect to axis (III) in order for the locking button to establish a locked position and unlocked position. When desirable, the locking button 23 may also be ergonomically curved 95 so that it more appropriately fits the index finger of the user.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a locking button 23 is forced to abut against a face 15A of the actuation button, thereby, creating a locked position. The locking button 23 may be spring-loaded in that a spring forces the multipurpose handle to be in an unlocked or locked state in the absence of pressure applied by the user to the locking button 23. According to another aspect, the spring 72 as shown in FIG. 15 , may provide a sensible and/or audible click associated with locking/unlocking the button 23. In the absence of pressure, the button 23 remains in the state in which it was left with subsequent locking or unlocking having to be done manually. In other words, an external force applied to the locking member that overcomes the force of the spring is able to cause the locking member to move from the unlocked position to the locked position or from the locked position to the unlocked position.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a medical device delivery system is provided that incorporates the multipurpose handle described above and as further defined herein. As shown in FIGS. 1-15 , the medical device delivery system comprises an outer sheath, a medical device, and a multipurpose handle. The medical device is located at least partially within, alternatively, entirely within the outer sheath in an initial configuration ready for deployment. The outer sheath may be a catheter capable of holding and protecting the medical device while it is pushed endoluminally through a patient's vasculature to a remote treatment or targeted site. The outer sheath or catheter is advantageously as small in diameter as possible for a given application, in order to improve endovascular movement and hold the medical device properly in position until its deployment. The outer sheath may accommodate the use of a guide wire for tracking the delivery of the medical device to the desired or targeted position. The type of medical device is not restricted and may take the form of any known devices, including but not limited to, stents, embolic cons, and vena cava filters.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the use of a medical device delivery system that incorporates a multipurpose handle as described herein to deliver or retrieve a medical device from a desired or targeted site within a vasculature of a patient's body is believed to be within the scope of the present invention. During such use, the multipurpose handle provides the user with control over longitudinal movement together with scrolling rotation of the attached medical device. The user may utilize his/her thumb and index finger on a single hand to accomplish such longitudinal and rotational movements.

According to further aspects of the present disclosure, provided are medical snare devices, for example vascular snare devices, that include a multipurpose handle as disclosed herein. As examples, any one of the multipurpose handles disclosed in conjunction with FIGS. 1-15 can be provided on a medical snare device, wherein the button of the multipurpose handle is operable to control a snare loop or other snare capture structure of the snare device. Referring now particularly to FIG. 16 , shown is one illustrative such medical snare device 100. Device 100 includes a multipurpose handle 5 as described in connection with FIGS. 14-15 , although it will be understood that the multipurpose handle can be any of those described herein in conjunction with the illustrative figures or otherwise. The sheath 50 (which can be a catheter) is connected to the distal end 30 of the handle 5. In device 100 the medical device 40 is a snare element having a snare loop 40 a, although in other forms other snare capture elements such as hooks and/or multiple loops may be included. The snare loop 40 a or other snare capture element can be connected to a longitudinally extending control rod 40 b, which in turn can be connected to control button 15, for example using connection arrangements as described herein. Snare loop 40 and control rod 40 b can each be made of a single component or multiple components, can be made of any suitable material such as a polymeric and/or metal material, and can be or include solid cross-sectional (e.g. solid wire structures) or hollow parts (e.g. cannula structures), as known in the art. As well, snare loop 40 a and control rod 40 b may be a single integral component. In some configurations, snare loop 40 a is a braided wire loop.

In some forms, the longitudinally extending control rod 40 b extends to directly contact and connect with control button, for example being received and secured within control button, for example by a locking mechanism, an adhesive, or both, or other techniques. The control rod 40 a in this form extends through the lumen of sheath 50 and into the multipurpose handle 5. When, as illustrated, the button 15 is in its forward (distally positioned) position, the snare loop 40 a is deployed from the distal opening of sheath 50. When the button 15 is in its rearward (proximally positioned) position, the snare loop 40 a is positioned within the sheath 50. Thus, button 15 can be translated distally and proximally to deploy and retract the snare loop 40 a, respectively. The button 15 can also be rotated to rotate the snare loop 40 a.

In some forms, as illustrated, the snare loop 40 a extends at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the control rod 40 b, and the button 15 can be rotated to rotate the angled snare loop 40 a to different radially positioned capture orientations. This can facilitate positioning the loop 40 a around a portion of an implanted medical device (which can be a vascular filter, such as a vena cava filter, or any other device described herein for retrieval) to be retrieved, after which the button 15 can be moved proximally to draw the loop 40 a partially into the sheath 50 so as to tighten the loop 40 a around the implanted medical device. In some forms, the implanted medical device can be drawn into the sheath 50 for removal from the patient. In other forms, the device 100 may be used in conjunction with another sheath or catheter, and the device 100 may be used to draw the implanted medical device into the other sheath or catheter. These and other modes of use for device 100 may be employed.

Referring now to FIG. 17 , a further version of a medical snare will now be described. Medical snare 100A (for example a vascular snare) can have the same components and functionality as snare 100 described in conjunction with FIG. 16 , except as described hereinbelow. Medical snare 100A thus includes a multicomponent handle 5 having an elongate body 10. The elongate body 10 of snare 100A defines an internal void 102 surrounding control rod 40 b, with void 102 preferably located in a distal region of the handle body 10 and/or distal of the actuation button 15. A seal element 104 is received and retained in void 102 and creates a seal between the outer surface of control rod 40 b and an internal wall defining void 102. The control rod 40 b can be frictionally translated proximally and distally through and against seal element 104 and can be frictionally rotated within and against seal element 104, while maintaining the seal between the outer surface of control rod 40 b and the internal wall defining void 102. The seal element is retained within void 102 during these relative movements between the surface of control rod 40 b and the surface of the seal element 104. In this manner, any bodily fluid, for example blood, that passes into the sheath 50 from its distal opening (e.g. in the annular space between the control rod 40 b and the lumen surface of the sheath 50), is prevented from passing proximally past the seal and into interior spaces of the handle 5. As well, the friction between the control rod 40 b and seal element 104 can facilitate a smoother and more tactile operation of the button 15 as it is translated distally and proximally by a user and/or is rotated by a user. The seal element can be formed from a resilient material, for example a resilient polymeric material such a silicone or rubber. In some forms, the seal element can define an opening through which control rod 40 b extends, and in certain specific forms such a seal element 104 is an O-ring.

In the illustrated embodiment, the elongate body 10 of medical snare 100A defines an opening 106 in a wall defining a proximal surface of the void 102, and control rod 40 b extends through opening 106. As well, elongate body 10 defines an internal wall 108 spaced a distance proximally from opening 106, and internal wall 108 also defines an opening 110 through which control rod 40 b extends. Openings 106 and 108, as well as the lumen defined by distal end 30, can help to control the movement of the control rod 40 b within handle 5. Also, the distal end 30 of the elongate body 10 is formed as a barb having a lumen therethrough, and the snare 100A further includes a cap 112 sealingly fitted over the barb and to the sheath 50.

While medical snare device embodiments above have sometimes been described having a snare loop 40 a, it will be understood that in other embodiments other snare capture elements, for example hooks, may be used in the place of or in addition to the snare loop 40 a. Likewise, while the advantageous seal element structures and functions of a multipurpose handle have been described in conjunction with a control rod having a snare loop 40 a or other snare capture element attached at a distal end thereof, in other embodiments the snare loop 40 a or other snare capture element can be replaced with another medical device structure connected to the control rod 40 b and which can be deployed from and retracted into the sheath using movement of the actuation button along the longitudinal axis and can be rotated by rotating the actuation button, as described above.

The specific examples provided in this disclosure are given to illustrate various embodiments of the invention and should not be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. The embodiments have been described in a way which enables a clear and concise specification to be written, but it is intended and will be appreciated that embodiments may be variously combined or separated without parting from the invention. For example, it will be appreciated that all preferred features described herein are applicable to all aspects of the invention described herein.

Those skilled-in-the-art, in light of the present disclosure, will appreciate that many changes can be made in the specific embodiments which are disclosed herein and still obtain alike or similar result without departing from or exceeding the spirit or scope of the disclosure. One skilled in the art will further understand that any properties reported herein represent properties that are routinely measured and can be obtained by multiple different methods. The methods described herein represent one such method and other methods may be utilized without exceeding the scope of the present disclosure.

The foregoing description of various forms of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Numerous modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The forms discussed were chosen and described to provide the best illustration of the principles of the invention and its practical application to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention in various forms and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the invention as determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are fairly, legally, and equitably entitled.

Listing of Certain Embodiments

The following provides an illustrative, non-limiting enumerated listing of some of the embodiments disclosed herein.

Embodiment 1. A multipurpose handle for delivery or retrieval of a medical device, the multipurpose handle comprising: an elongate handle body having a proximal end extending to a distal end defining a longitudinal axis, the elongate handle body having a cutout defining a movement space therein; an actuation button disposed within the cutout of the elongate handle body and connected to the medical device, the actuation button being movable within the cutout along the longitudinal axis and rotatable within the cutout; a locking member connected to the elongate handle body and movable between a locked position and unlocked position, the locking member being in contact with the actuation button and restricting movement of the actuation button along the longitudinal axis in the locked position. Embodiment 2. The multipurpose handle of Embodiment 1 wherein the actuation button is a thumb wheel having a proximal face and a distal face. Embodiment 3. The multipurpose handle of Embodiment 2 wherein the thumb wheel includes fins disposed on the circumference of the thumb wheel. Embodiment 4. The multipurpose handle of Embodiment 2 or 3 wherein in the locking position, the locking member is in contact with the distal face of the thumb wheel. Embodiment 5. The multipurpose handle of any preceding Embodiment, wherein the locking member includes a locking ring. Embodiment 6. The multipurpose handle of any of Embodiments 2 to 5, wherein the thumb wheel includes a tactile bump. Embodiment 7. The multipurpose handle of any preceding Embodiment, wherein the cutout is droplet shaped. Embodiment 8. The multipurpose handle of any preceding Embodiment, wherein the actuation button is placed in the locked position by a sliding component. Embodiment 9. The multipurpose handle of any preceding Embodiment, wherein the longitudinal axis of the elongated body and a longitudinal axis of the locking member are located such that the locking mechanism rotates into the elongated body. Embodiment 10. The multipurpose handle of any preceding Embodiment, wherein the locking member includes a spring configured to hold the locking member in the locked position or unlocked position. Embodiment 11. The multipurpose handle of Embodiment 10, wherein the spring exhibits a force to hold the locking member in the locked position or the unlocked position, such that an external force applied to the locking member that overcomes the force of the spring is able to cause the locking member to move from the unlocked position to the locked position or from the locked position to the unlocked position. Embodiment 12. The multipurpose handle of any preceding Embodiment, wherein the actuation button further comprises one or more protrusions configured to prevent the actuation button from being removed from the elongated body. Embodiment 13. The multipurpose handle of any preceding Embodiment wherein the locking member includes a locking button configured to slide or be pushed in order to place the actuation button into the locked position. Embodiment 14. The multipurpose handle of any preceding Embodiment, wherein the locking member and the actuation button includes a plurality of splines located on one of the locking member or actuation button and a plurality of grooves located on the other one of the actuation button or locking member. Embodiment 15. The multipurpose handle of Embodiment 14, wherein the locking position is variable due to the different number of splines that are aligned or meshed with the grooves. Embodiment 16. A medical device delivery system comprising: an outer sheath; a medical device located at least partially within the outer sheath in an initial configuration ready for deployment; and a multipurpose handle connected to the outer sheath and the medical device, the handle comprising: an elongate handle body having a proximal end extending to a distal end defining a longitudinal axis, the elongate handle body having a cutout defining a movement space therein; an actuation button disposed within the cutout of the elongate handle body and connected to the medical device, the actuation button being movable within the cutout along the longitudinal axis and rotatable within the cutout; a locking member connected to the elongate handle body and movable between a locked position and unlocked position; the locking member being in contact with the actuation button and restricting movement of the actuation button along the longitudinal axis in the locked position. Embodiment 17. The medical device delivery system of Embodiment 16, wherein the medical device is a stent, an embolic coil, or a vena cava filter. Embodiment 18. The medical device delivery system of Embodiment 16 or 17, wherein the actuation button is placed in the locked position by a sliding component. Embodiment 19. The use of the medical device delivery system of Embodiment 16 for delivering or retrieving a medical device from a targeted site in a vasculature of a patient. Embodiment 20. The use of the multipurpose handle of any one of Embodiments 1 to 15 in a medical device delivery system configured to deliver or retrieve a medical device from a targeted site in a vasculature of a patient. 

1. A medical snare device, comprising: a handle having an actuation button, the actuation button being movable along a longitudinal axis of the handle and rotatable; a sheath connected to the multipurpose handle; and a snare element connected to the actuation button and extending through the sheath, the snare element including a snare capture structure that is deployable from and retractable into the sheath by movement of the actuation button along the longitudinal axis, the snare capture structure further being rotatable by rotation of the actuation button.
 2. The medical snare device of claim 1, wherein the actuation button is a thumb wheel having a proximal face and a distal face. 3-4. (canceled)
 5. The medical snare device of claim 1, wherein handle has an elongate handle body having a cutout defining a movement space therein, wherein the actuation button is disposed within the cutout and is movable within the cutout along the longitudinal axis and rotatable within the cutout.
 6. The medical snare device of claim 1, wherein the handle also includes a locking member connected to the elongate handle body and movable between a locked position and unlocked position, the locking member being in contact with the actuation button and restricting movement of the actuation button along the longitudinal axis in the locked position. 7-8. (canceled)
 9. The medical snare device of claim 1, wherein the handle also includes a seal element that maintains a seal against the snare element during movement of the actuation button along the longitudinal axis and during rotation of the actuation button.
 10. The medical snare device of claim 9, wherein the handle defines a void, wherein the seal element is received and retained within the void, and wherein the snare element includes a longitudinally extending control rod connected to the snare capture structure and extending through the seal element.
 11. The medical snare device of claim 10, wherein the control rod is frictionally translatable proximally and distally through and against seal element by movement of the actuation button along the longitudinal axis and is frictionally rotatable within and against seal element by rotation of the actuation button, while maintaining a seal between an outer surface of the control rod and an internal wall defining the void.
 12. The medical snare device of claim 11, wherein the seal element is comprised of a resilient material.
 13. (canceled)
 14. The medical snare device of claim 9, wherein the snare capture element is a snare loop, and wherein upon deployment from the sheath the snare loop extends at an angle relative to a longitudinally extending control rod of the snare element.
 15. (canceled)
 16. A method for retrieving a medical implant device from a site in a vasculature of a patient, comprising: deploying a snare loop of a medical snare device from a sheath of the medical snare device by moving an actuation button of a handle of the medical snare device along a longitudinal axis of the handle in a first direction, the actuation button also being rotatable to rotate the snare loop; positioning the snare loop around the medical implant device; tightening the snare loop around the medical implant device by moving the actuation button along the longitudinal axis of the handle in a second direction opposite the first direction; and retrieving the medical implant device from the site with the snare loop tightened around the medical implant device.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein said positioning includes rotating the snare loop by rotating the actuation button.
 18. The method of claim 16, wherein the actuation button is a thumb wheel and wherein said deploying, positioning and tightening include manipulating the thumb wheel with a thumb. 19-21. (canceled)
 22. The method of claim 16, wherein the medical implant device is a vascular filter. 23-25. (canceled)
 26. A medical device, comprising: a handle having an actuation button, the actuation button being movable along a longitudinal axis of the handle and rotatable; a sheath connected to the multipurpose handle; and a control rod connected to the actuation button and extending through the sheath; a deployable and retractable medical device structure connected to the control rod, the medical device structure being deployable from and retractable into the sheath by movement of the actuation button along the longitudinal axis, the medical device structure further being rotatable by rotation of the actuation button. 27-29. (canceled)
 30. The medical device of claim 26, wherein handle has an elongate handle body having a cutout defining a movement space therein, wherein the actuation button is disposed within the cutout and is movable within the cutout along the longitudinal axis and rotatable within the cutout.
 31. The medical device of claim 26, wherein the handle also includes a locking member connected to the elongate handle body and movable between a locked position and unlocked position, the locking member being in contact with the actuation button and restricting movement of the actuation button along the longitudinal axis in the locked position. 32-33. (canceled)
 34. The medical device of claim 26, wherein the handle also includes a seal element that maintains a seal against the control rod during movement of the actuation button along the longitudinal axis and during rotation of the actuation button.
 35. The medical device of claim 34, wherein the handle defines a void, wherein the seal element is received and retained within the void, and wherein the control rod extends through the seal element.
 36. The medical device of claim 35, wherein the control rod is frictionally translatable proximally and distally through and against seal element by movement of the actuation button along the longitudinal axis and is frictionally rotatable within and against seal element by rotation of the actuation button, while maintaining a seal between an outer surface of the control rod and an internal wall defining the void.
 37. The medical device of claim 34, wherein the seal element is comprised of a resilient material.
 38. (canceled)
 39. The medical device of claim 26, wherein the medical device structure is a snare capture element.
 40. The medical device of claim 39, wherein the snare capture element is a snare loop.
 41. The medical device of claim 39, wherein the snare capture element when deployed from the sheath extends at an angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the control rod. 